Sugar Coma

Whether I’m celebrating a high test score or stressing over an upcoming project, I know that a sweet dessert will be my greatest reward. From an intricately decorated ice cream cone to a decked-out doughnut, I decided to explore Kansas City to find the best place for a treat. I just had to find out if the desserts were as delicious as they are photogenic.

DUCK DONUTS

For the last few weeks of summer, Duck Donuts blew up my VSCO feed, but I didn’t know what all the fuss was about. Why stray from the classic glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut? But after seeing all of the Instagram stories of dozens of donuts layered in toppings, I had to try them out to see if everyone’s rave reviews were accurate.

One whiff of the freshly-baked doughnuts and I knew my wallet would be emptied by the time I left. The decor was minimalistic, with white walls and silver accents and a small market to the side where you could buy T-shirts and cookbooks.

I stared at the menu, unable to choose. I decided on the doughnut topped in vanilla icing and Oreo crumbles, as well as the s’mores doughnut. I was pleasantly surprised when my total came out to be a little over $3, the same as a glazed Krispy Kreme donut. With all the pizzazz on top, I assumed it would cost more. Watching them drizzle chocolate sauce and sprinkle Oreo dust on the doughnut was like watching a BuzzFeed Tasty video in real life. It didn’t take long for my decorated doughnuts to be served, almost too-warm-to-touch, neatly in a box.

The doughnuts were both packed with flavor and sweetness. They only lasted a few minutes in the box until it was left with only a crumb, as embarrassing as that is.

SWEET AND SIMPLE

I have always been intrigued by the idea of edible cookie dough. Although I usually find myself digging in the freezer for some pre-packed squares of cookie dough, I sometimes wonder if that’s really the best idea – considering the whole salmonella thing. What I wanted to find was safe, edible cookie dough that was just as delicious as the buckets I normally buy.

When I arrived at Sweet And Simple, I was puzzled to see the variety of menu items — they serve everything from smoothies to boba tea to cookie dough on the menu. After ordering my scoop of original cookie dough with a chocolate drizzle and paying my $5, I was slightly disappointed in the taste. The consistency was sticky, and the flavor was a bit bland.

The vibe of the store earned it a few points back. There were geometric light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, along with small succulents strung up on string. The walls were lined with chalkboards displaying messages in neat cursive, telling me how “tea-riffic” I am. I left the store let down by my treat, wishing that the space could be used for something a little more deserving.

To anyone with a sweet spot for cookie dough, you might want to stick with the store bought – no matter the risks.

ICE CREAM BAE

Ice cream has always been my go-to dessert. It’s hard for me to find an ice cream cone that I dislike. I had heard how spectacular Ice Cream BAE was from a few of my friends, and I had to give it a try.

Walking into the packed store was like walking into a huge house party. The shop is located within the Made In KC store on the plaza. I couldn’t stop my mouth from gaping open as I scanned the store; I spotted colorful T-shirts with an ice cream bar, even a section where you can buy small succulents. I was overwhelmed with happiness as I explored the store, looking around for what felt like hours, finally making my way over to the ice cream.

Lining the ice cream counter, there were cones ranging from deep red to neon pink. I watched  as a woman next to me received an ice cream cone with a flaming s’more on top. I decided that was a little extreme for me, and went with a neon red cone with chocolate ice cream. If My Little Pony converted to the ice cream clan, this would be her cone. After quickly ordering and being served promptly, I couldn’t help but snap a picture and add it to my Snapchat story. The ice cream melted in my mouth, and I spent the rest of afternoon getting every drop of the custard out of my cone.

I never wanted to leave the store. I wanted to see everything that they had to offer. I will definitely be returning, for the ice cream and the buzz I got from being in the action-packed store.